Carotenoids, Apocarotenoids and Retinoids: From Nature to Bedside

Conference Description

Carotenoids are isoprenoid pigments synthesized by plants and microorganisms, and are arguably the most ancient photoactive pigments on Earth. They have essential photoreception and photoprotection roles in photosynthesis and their cleavage products (apocarotenoids and retinoids) include signaling molecules important for plant and animal physiology. Dietary carotenoids act as vitamin A precursors, as modulators of visual and cognitive development and in the prevention of chronic disease. Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) remains an overwhelming public health issue worldwide, and carotenoid biofortification of staple crops is a proposed preventative strategy. Comparative research between plants and animals has revealed an impressive conservation of key enzymes that catalyze the various transformations of carotenoids and apocarotenoids. The 2018 Carotenoid GRC and GRS will address the full spectrum of carotenoid and apocarotenoid research "from nature to bedside", fostering interdisciplinarity and transfer of research methods between different experimental systems. The majority of the sessions will include speakers from different fields (microbial/plant biology and biomedical research) to enhance cross-fertilization and exchange of ideas. At least 30% of the talks will be selected from submitted abstracts, with an emphasis on early career scientists, and outstanding posters will be selected for short poster preview talks. A strong emphasis will be put on the presentation of unpublished research, extensive scientific discussion at the sessions and during free time and strict "off the record" policy.

Related Meeting

This GRC will be held in conjunction with the "Carotenoids (GRS)" Gordon Research Seminar (GRS). Those interested in attending both meetings must submit an application for the GRS in addition to an application for the GRC. Refer to the associated GRS program page for more information.

Conference Program

Sunday

2:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Arrival and Check-in

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Dinner

7:30 pm - 7:40 pm

Introductory Comments by GRC Site Staff / Welcome from the GRC Chair

7:40 pm - 9:30 pm

Keynote Session: Landmarks in Carotenoid Research

Discussion Leaders: Paul Bernstein (University of Utah, USA) and George Britton (University of Liverpool, United Kingdom)

Power HourThe GRC Power Hour is an optional informal gathering open to all meeting participants. It is designed to help address the challenges women face in science and support the professional growth of women in our communities by providing an open forum for discussion and mentoring.

Organizers: Jessica Cooperstone (The Ohio State University, USA) and Rachel Kopec (The Ohio State University, USA)

Contributors

Research reported in this publication was supported by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute Of Child Health & Human Development of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R13HD095646. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.